A 31-year-old man associated with the Head Hunters gang faces multiple charges after an incident involving a high-speed chase, reckless driving, and a firearm, which concluded in Glen Innes, New Zealand.

"A Head Hunters gang associate was arrested on Thursday morning, and a rifle was thrown from a car, when police descended on him." But, but, I thought these guns were banned? pic.twitter.com/C55cLtR2dE

— Jeremiah (@TheKnoll67) November 20, 2024

Police have described the events as “extremely dangerous” and praised the coordinated efforts of officers in safely bringing the situation under control.

The sequence of events began around 7:30 p.m. when officers observed a car traveling at excessive speeds on the Southern Motorway near East Tāmaki.

According to Tāmaki Makaurau road policing manager Inspector Juliet Burgess, the driver ignored police attempts to stop the vehicle, prompting authorities to deploy the Eagle helicopter to track its movements.

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“The vehicle had been driven incredibly dangerously, weaving in and out of traffic at high speed,” Burgess stated.

The helicopter observed the vehicle exiting and re-entering the motorway before coming to a stop in Glen Innes.

During the pursuit, police reported that the driver displayed a firearm from the vehicle window while speeding away.

After mounting a footpath and crashing through a wooden fence, the vehicle entered a reserve where the driver reportedly engaged in erratic and anti-social driving behavior.

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“As armed police arrived on the scene, he allegedly pointed the firearm in their direction, causing obvious concern for the staff involved,” Burgess said.

Video footage shared on social media shows the vehicle being approached by an individual who reached into the driver’s side window and removed a firearm.

The rifle was thrown into nearby bushes, and the driver was taken into custody shortly afterward.

Mr. steel balls in grey t-shirt and black shorts just prevented a potential mass shooting / shootout and walked away like it was nothing. pic.twitter.com/gdLTBwntpt

— LASHY BILLS (@LASHYBILLS) November 21, 2024

Police confirmed that the person who removed the firearm was known to the man.

“It was very evident to staff that the man was under the influence of substances throughout the course of his alleged offending last night,” Burgess noted.

Following the arrest, police recovered an AR-15 style assault rifle and a large quantity of ammunition from the vehicle.

The driver now faces several charges, including unlawfully possessing a prohibited firearm, unlawfully possessing a prohibited magazine, presenting a firearm, reckless driving, and failing to stop.

He is set to appear in the Auckland District Court.

Inspector Burgess acknowledged the coordinated effort of officers and the role of the driver’s family member in de-escalating the situation. “It was an extremely dangerous series of events that could have led to serious injury or worse,” she said.

“I am so proud of all the officers involved who, through a well-coordinated approach, were able to put a stop to the man’s alleged offending and bring this matter to a safe conclusion.”

The incident has raised concerns about public safety and the proliferation of firearms among gang members.

Police are continuing their investigation and have not ruled out additional charges.

Authorities emphasized the importance of community cooperation in addressing such dangerous incidents.

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